MGH Hotline 4.15.11 Tiesha Cabral, a patient service coordinator in the Cancer Center, listened with interest as Sandra Woodworth, RT(R)(CT), a clinical instructor for MGH Imaging, described the day-to-day life of a radiologic technologist.

Tiesha Cabral, a patient service coordinator in the Cancer Center, listened with interest as Sandra Woodworth, RT(R)(CT), a clinical instructor for MGH Imaging, described the day-to-day life of a radiologic technologist. Woodworth was among those sharing insight about their careers March 31 during Career Information Day.

Hosted by the Human Resources Office of Training and Workforce Development, Career Information Day gave more than 50 attendees a look at the opportunities available in medical imaging, medical and surgical technologies, medical coding, electrodiagnostic technology and respiratory therapy. Cabral, who is taking prerequisite courses at Bunker Hill Community College, hopes to enter the school's radiologic technologist program next year. "I love interacting with patients in my current job, but I'm looking for something that's a bit more hands-on," she said. Cabral's interest in radiology comes at a good time, Woodworth said, as the field is expected to grow in the next five years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 30,000 new radiologic technologists will be needed by 2016.

Woodworth described the different environments in which radiologic technologists work -- in the Emergency Department, operating rooms, or inpatient and outpatient areas. "I've been here for 30 years, and I've worked in every radiology area," she said. Another aspect of a career in radiology that appeals to many -- including Cabral -- is the possibility of a flexible schedule. Woodworth said technologists are needed at all hours of the day -- on weekends, evenings and on call.

"Because I am a single mom, having the option of a flexible schedule would help me a great deal," Cabral said. "My son is at the age where he is active in sports and other programs at school, and the flexible schedule would allow me to be there for him more."

For more information about Career Information Day, contact John Coco at 617-724-3368 or jcoco@partners.org.